BALTIMORE, MARYLAND BURGLARY LAWYER

Providing Defense Strategies When Accused of Burglary

The Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City vigorously prosecutes burglary cases. A conviction for burglary carries severe consequences, including the loss of a person’s reputation, loss of employment, a permanent criminal record, and incarceration.

If you or a loved one have recently been charged with burglary, effective legal representation by a Baltimore, Maryland burglary lawyer should be sought immediately. The award-winning attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. have been fighting for their client’s rights in Baltimore City and throughout the State of Maryland for more than 30 years.

Call (410) 995-1515 today for a free consultation.

Maryland Burglary Law

The crime of burglary has its roots in common law. Under current Maryland State law, there are four statutes governing burglary:

• Maryland law defines 1st-degree burglary as the illegal breaking and entering into another person’s dwelling with the intent to commit a crime of violence or theft.1st-degree burglary is a felony and carries a potential penalty of 20 years in prison. If a person is convicted of breaking into a dwelling with the intent of committing a crime of violence, then the penalty increases to 30 years.
• Maryland law defines 2nd-degree burglary as the illegal breaking and entering into another person’s storehouse with the intent to commit a crime of violence, theft, or arson.2nd-degree burglary is a felony and carries a potential penalty of 15 years in prison. If a person is convicted of breaking into a storehouse with the intent of stealing a firearm, then the penalty increases to 20 years.
• Maryland law defines 3rd-degree burglary as the illegal breaking and entering into another person’s dwelling with the intent to commit any crime.3rd-degree burglary is a felony and carries a potential penalty of 10 years in prison.
• Maryland law defines 4th-degree burglary as the illegal breaking and entering into another person’s dwelling, property, or storehouse with the intent to commit theft.4th-degree burglary is a misdemeanor and carries a potential penalty of 3 years in prison.

Trespassing Laws in Maryland

A related crime to burglary is trespassing. Under Maryland State law, it is illegal to enter another person’s property if signs prohibiting entry are conspicuously displayed. Unlike burglary, it does not matter if the individual entered the property with the intent to commit a crime. Trespassing is a misdemeanor that carries penalties ranging from 90 days to 2 years of incarceration.

Defenses to a Burglary Charge

Maryland’s burglary statutes are legally complex and are comprised of several elements. While the facts of each case are different, a review of the evidence by a Baltimore, Maryland burglary lawyer may reveal that the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove one of the elements of the burglary charge. For example, the prosecution may not be able to prove any intent by the accused to commit a crime of violence or a crime of theft. This may result in a person being acquitted of burglary but being convicted of trespassing, which carries a much lesser penalty.

Retain an Award-Winning Criminal Defense Firm

No value can be placed on your freedom. Legal representation by an award-winning criminal defense attorney can increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in a burglary case. The attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. in Baltimore City can zealously fight the State of Maryland on your behalf. We have built a reputation of excellence in Maryland’s legal community and among local Hispanic, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Vietnamese, and Korean communities.

To schedule a free consultation regarding your Baltimore City Burglary case, dial (410) 995-1515 or contact us online.